The search for Team Bases was launched via an open tender process in April 2013 and just under 100 bids were received from across the country and in Wales. All prospective Team Bases were subject to a rigorous selection process which included an expansive and detailed programme of site visits as well as liaison with the competing Rugby World Cup 2015 teams.
A Rugby World Cup 2015 Team Base will consist of an outdoor and indoor training facility, a swimming pool, gym and hotel and will be utilised by the competing teams in the lead up to and during the six week event. The facilities must meet international team training standards and be located on one site or within close proximity of one another. Match venue locations have also been taken into account as part of the selection programme.
A mix of rugby clubs, schools, colleges, universities and dedicated training facilities will be utilised by the 20 teams, taking the reach of the Tournament even further. Eight bases have also been selected for use during the knock out phase of the Tournament.
England Rugby 2015 CEO, Debbie Jevans, said: “As the Organising Committee for Rugby World Cup 2015 we are committed to ensuring that all participating teams have the optimum training environments available to them throughout the Tournament and we are delighted to announce the 41 official Team Bases. Rugby is at the heart of all our planning and we have worked closely with the teams to ensure that they have access to the best facilities and a Team Base that meets their individual needs.
“I would like to thank all those who have been part of the Team Base selection programme. We are lucky to have some fantastic facilities right across the country and the enthusiasm to be part of the Tournament has been really encouraging. We are confident that we now have 41 high quality training environments which provide a home away from home for the teams. With a wide range of facilities and locations secured we can give players a unique Rugby World Cup 2015 experience whilst spreading the reach of the Tournament even further throughout England and in Wales.”
IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset, added: “Rugby World Cup 2015 will be an event that has players and fans at heart, and I am delighted that the teams participating at England 2015 will have access to exceptional facilities the length and breadth of the host nation. It is the attention to detail on and off the field that will elevate this event to new levels and this team base selection will ensure that all the teams have everything they need to perform to their peak potential on Rugby’s greatest stage.”
